Meerut, July 19 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the previous Samajwadi Party and Congress governments, alleging they had weakened the state's sugar industry and stalled development. He asserted that the BJP's "double-engine government" had transformed Uttar Pradesh into the country's leading producer of sugar, sugarcane and ethanol. He was addressing a public gathering at Venkateshwara University in Gajraula (Amroha) after inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for 43 development projects worth more than Rs.207 crore for the Amroha and Dhanaura Assembly constituencies. The chief minister said that had the previous governments remained in power, Uttar Pradesh's sugar industry would have collapsed. He alleged that between 2007 and 2017, 29 sugar mills were shut down and another 21 were sold at throwaway prices. In contrast, he said, the BJP government is currently operating 122 sugar mills, has ensured sugarcane payments worth Rs.3.23 lakh crore, and increased the sugarcane procurement price to Rs.400 per quintal. "Before 2017, development, industrial investment and timely sugarcane payments were not possible. Today, UP has become the number one state in sugar, sugarcane and ethanol production," Adityanath said. Highlighting infrastructure development in Amroha, the chief minister said the district has emerged from its backward image and established a global reputation through handicrafts, craftsmanship and agricultural produce. He credited the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme for giving Amroha's tabla and dholak industries a distinct identity, while noting that local mango growers are now reaching international markets. He said the Madhya Ganga Canal Project is nearing completion and the Ganga Expressway has significantly improved connectivity, reducing travel time to Delhi, Lucknow and Prayagraj. The government, he added, would also improve connectivity between Amroha and Haridwar and ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their land. The chief minister also said riots were common across districts before 2017, whereas the present administration had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against criminals and mafia elements. "Those who threaten public security have only two destinations-jail or jahannum," he said. The chief minister also paid tribute to former cricketer and minister Chetan Chauhan, saying the NDA government was fulfilling his vision for sports and regional development while carrying forward the ideals of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh....